Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Three Titans

In Xu Wei’s money-laundering empire, Yan Donglou was, without question, its most crucial figure. Despite his arrogance and domineering nature, which won him few admirers, he was the most formidable among the three bosses. Yan Donglou’s virtue was simple: intelligence. He was a man of exceptional brilliance—so much so that in conversation, he often anticipated the next sentence before it was spoken. His ability to read people was uncanny; whether someone was shrewd or naïve, he could see through them at a glance. The only exception had been that woman.

It was thanks to Yan Donglou’s presence that Xu Wei’s money-laundering empire expanded so swiftly. Yan Donglou was indisputably the chief strategist. Besides, he possessed a unique skill the other two could only dream of: forecasting economic trends.

In theory, money laundering and economics are unrelated. The main purpose of laundering is to allow ill-gotten gains to circulate openly. Yet, since many clients wished to transfer their funds abroad and convert them into foreign currency, the ability to predict economic trends became vital. Accurate judgment of exchange rate fluctuations not only allowed them to profit from currency differentials but also to attract clients at lower costs, gaining a competitive edge.

Still, Yan Donglou’s greatest contribution to the criminal organization was not his forecasting skill, but his talent for selecting people. The other two key members of the trio had been recruited by him.

The second boss, Zhao Wenhua, was a technician—a once-ordinary programmer and part of the migrant workforce in the capital. Had Zhao Wenhua devoted himself to programming, his mediocre skill would have left him forever a second-rate coder. In a high-paying industry, he would not starve, but nor would he rise above the crowd.

Yet, despite his technical shortcomings, Zhao Wenhua stood out in his field because he possessed another skill: the art of communication. Communication is a common yet elusive talent. Everyone does it daily—on public transport, in business negotiations, in family conversations. In society, communication is omnipresent. Often, in a workplace, social skills trump professional expertise; connections can elevate the mediocre, while the elite without them may languish. Relationships are, at their core, a form of communication—sometimes innate, sometimes cultivated.

Zhao Wenhua’s communicative prowess made him beloved compared to programmers who lacked it, and earned him early promotion. Furthermore, his subordinates rejoiced in his advancement, seeing him as technically knowledgeable, albeit less capable, but pleasant to work with. Their camaraderie made them willing to follow this “tech lightweight.”

Had things progressed normally, Zhao Wenhua might have become a good project manager, perhaps even leading a team to start a tech company and becoming a CEO—living a life neither luxurious nor destitute. But life is full of surprises. Zhao Wenhua’s ordinary existence was upended by one person: Yan Donglou.

When Zhao Wenhua first met Yan Donglou, he knew nothing of his background, only that Yan Donglou seemed like a high-end figure in finance. Few professions rival IT in allure, but finance is certainly one. Zhao Wenhua considered himself well-paid, but compared to financiers with million-dollar salaries, he was insignificant. Finance was a glamorous field, populated by attractive men and women, often entangled in sensational scandals—something Zhao Wenhua envied. Sometimes he even imagined himself as the male lead in such events—though never the exposed one.

Their first interaction was when Yan Donglou commissioned Zhao Wenhua’s company to build a fourth-party payment platform. Zhao Wenhua’s impressive performance left a deep impression, prompting Yan Donglou to extend an invitation to join him. At the time, Zhao Wenhua declined, believing in his own company’s prospects and reluctant to leave. He also thought Yan Donglou was too clever, and being subordinate to such a man would be painful; his own tricks would be laid bare.

Yet, for Yan Donglou, Zhao Wenhua was the ideal solution to the “driver” problem, so he was determined to recruit him. During a system upgrade, Yan Donglou specifically requested Zhao Wenhua’s presence. To maintain their big client, Zhao Wenhua’s company readily agreed.

Upon arrival at the payment platform’s location, Yan Donglou instructed Zhao Wenhua’s technicians to stay and update the system, but invited Zhao Wenhua himself to accompany him for a break. Adhering to a client-first ethos, Zhao Wenhua agreed.

Yan Donglou took Zhao Wenhua straight to the airport, accompanied by his pet dog. As Yan Donglou prepared to board with the dog, Zhao Wenhua offered, “Mr. Yan, let me handle the pet transport for you.” Yan Donglou smiled, “No need. We’re taking my private jet.”

It was then that Zhao Wenhua realized Yan Donglou was unlike any wealthy man he had imagined. And this was only the beginning.

The flight was brief, landing on a picturesque island. Zhao Wenhua, an avid traveler who had visited many foreign resorts, was still captivated by this island’s beauty. Shaded by lush trees, it resembled an untouched forest, with unknown birds singing overhead. Seagulls circled, and gentle waves kissed the beach.

Zhao Wenhua had expected “a break” to mean coffee and conversation, not a trip to such a paradise. What astonished him more was the abundance of beautiful women in swimwear frolicking nearby.

A youth dressed as a waiter brought chilled champagne. Zhao Wenhua sipped; it was the finest he’d ever tasted, smooth and fragrant, lifting his spirits. Watching the beauties, he joked to Yan Donglou, “Mr. Yan, this island is fantastic! A true vacation spot. And so many lovely women—but where are their male companions? Is this a kingdom of women?”

Yan Donglou’s answer stunned him: “It’s not a kingdom of women. The island is mine, and so are the girls. If you fancy any, just have them keep you company tonight.”

Zhao Wenhua was utterly speechless. He had thought the wealthy enjoyed happiness as he imagined, but their joys were beyond his comprehension. Yan Donglou revealed a lifestyle Zhao Wenhua never dared to dream of; they were worlds apart. He finally understood why people flocked to finance.

Yan Donglou paid no mind to Zhao Wenhua’s astonishment, continuing to enjoy the scenery and wine. They stayed on the island for three days, and Zhao Wenhua spent the whole time in a daze. Even upon returning to his company, he struggled to wake from the surreal experience.

Sometimes Zhao Wenhua wondered if it had all been a wild dream. A month later, Yan Donglou extended another invitation. This time, Zhao Wenhua didn’t refuse, but asked Yan Donglou to confirm whether they had really spent three days on that dreamlike island. Yan Donglou, knowing his demonstration had enticed Zhao Wenhua, assured him, and Zhao Wenhua joined his ranks without hesitation, bringing a strong technical team.

With Zhao Wenhua’s addition, the money-laundering group was empowered. The fourth-party payment platform no longer relied on external maintenance; Zhao Wenhua’s team easily took over development and upkeep. More importantly, the team solved the “driver” problem—they no longer needed drivers.

After Zhao Wenhua joined, Yan Donglou had new ideas, instructing Zhao Wenhua to develop online games. Though Zhao Wenhua had never worked on such projects, it posed no challenge—not due to his own skill, but because of his exceptionally talented subordinate, Hu Ruzhen.

Hu Ruzhen was a technical virtuoso, an outstanding programmer and hacker, skilled in network security and reverse engineering. Though making games was new to him, he soon produced a polished game with his partners, and quickly followed with a second and third, earning Yan Donglou’s praise.

Yan Donglou had no intention of entering the gaming industry. The games were a front for his main business—money laundering. The games’ quality, combined with Hu Ruzhen’s hacking and Zhang Yu’s sales skills, attracted many players. Yan Donglou “manufactured” a large player base, making the games appear wildly popular.

He then mixed his dirty money into normal in-game payments, laundering it online and eliminating the need for drivers, thus upgrading the group’s operations. The organization grew stronger with its enhanced capabilities.

With Zhao Wenhua’s team, Yan Donglou’s economic models could be implemented smoothly, ensuring the fourth-party payment platform’s concealment and improving economic forecasts. Even Xu Wei praised Zhao Wenhua’s work, eventually adopting him as a godson.

Now Xu Wei’s money-laundering group had Yan Donglou as its strategist and Zhao Wenhua’s cutting-edge team. The empire was taking shape.

As the story progressed, the later characters became ever more formidable. For Xu Wei’s empire, the last to appear was the only woman Yan Donglou had misjudged—the sole female among the trio: Tang Xin.

Had she not met Yan Donglou, Tang Xin might have remained an ordinary office worker in Tanghua, living a mundane life in a corporate consulting firm. She would have fretted over housing and struggled with the burdens of daily life. Yet, her lofty ambition ensured she would not remain ordinary. It was less that Yan Donglou found Tang Xin than that Tang Xin found a suitable stepping stone in him.

Yan Donglou’s interest in Tang Xin was almost accidental. He visited Tanghua to observe Zhao Wenhua’s work, and happened upon an old classmate—Tang Xin’s boss. Tang Xin was merely present as an assistant during their meeting.

In casual conversation, Tang Xin’s poise and eloquence captivated Yan Donglou. He initially thought she was just a pretty face, but her first words impressed him. Her boss praised her highly, noting how Tang Xin’s competence and appearance attracted clients.

Tang Xin’s courteous demeanor made her boss proud before the old classmate, while Yan Donglou discerned Tang Xin’s ambition in their chat. He knew she was unwilling to settle for her current life and would not stay under her inept boss for long. He immediately set his sights on her.

As her boss left the room briefly, Yan Donglou and Tang Xin exchanged contacts. A few days later, Yan Donglou called her to meet. At the café, he looked at the radiant Tang Xin and stated bluntly, “You’re smart. No need for pretense. I want you to come with me.”

Tang Xin asked, puzzled, “Go with you? What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

Yan Donglou smiled, “It’s hard to struggle alone in this strange city, especially under such a useless boss, isn’t it?”

Tang Xin was shocked. It was only their second meeting, but Yan Donglou seemed to know her well, summarizing her predicament in one sentence. Though she tried to remain composed, her eyes betrayed her, and Yan Donglou caught it instantly.

He continued, “I want you to come with me because you’re beautiful and articulate. I want you to be someone’s lover. That person will help you live the life you desire.”

Tang Xin responded angrily, “Do you think I’m the type to be someone’s lover? How do you know what life I want? Isn’t your suggestion rude and beneath your status?”

Yan Donglou ignored her irritation, insisting, “You’re smart. No need for roundabout talk.”

“I know you’re capable, but here they don’t value your ability, only your beauty. Your skill is just an accessory to your appearance, used to bolster their image.”

“They use you but never give you the chance to shape your own destiny. Here, you’ll always be an accessory, nothing more.”

Tang Xin retorted, “So being someone’s lover isn’t just being an accessory? Isn’t it still being a pretty face?”

Yan Donglou replied, “Beauty is innate capital, helping you stand out from competitors, but it’s also a burden, making others overlook your abilities.”

“I’m not saying I can change everything, but I can offer an opportunity to alter your fate—a platform to showcase your talent, better chances. Whether you can defy destiny is up to you.”

Tang Xin asked, “Do you think there’s a better platform than Tanghua? Here, if not the best, it’s among the top in the country. Where else offers better opportunities?”

Yan Donglou smiled, “A platform is not the city, but the people you meet. Even the largest city has insignificant cogs; the smallest place has local heroes.”

“Opportunities always come from those you know. The people I will introduce you to can offer you chances you’ll never have here.”

He continued, “Even a thoroughbred needs a discerning owner. If you won’t let others ride you, how will anyone be your patron? You may not understand being someone’s lover, but in reality, it’s a shortcut to your ambitions.”

Tang Xin listened, then stood up, ending the conversation with, “I believe I can achieve what I want through my own ability. All I need is opportunity, and here I have the most. Save your pitch for someone else.”

With that, she left the café. Yan Donglou said nothing further.

In truth, Yan Donglou saw Tang Xin as a vase—a pretty ornament. It was unrealistic to judge her ability from one meeting; he merely recognized her ambition. Yet, he found her interesting and wanted her in his fold. Even if she lacked skill, her beauty made her the perfect gift for Xu Wei. Recruiting Tang Xin was a sure win for Yan Donglou.

He was certain Tang Xin’s ambition would eventually drive her to seek change, and all she needed was time to overcome her mental barriers. Yan Donglou believed she would soon make the transition, and he was right. Not long after, Tang Xin changed her mind and contacted Yan Donglou, agreeing to join him.

Yan Donglou was very satisfied. He had spent considerable money and effort persuading Tang Xin’s boss to make her life difficult, forcing her departure. He once again proved his talent for reading people.

He saw Tang Xin’s urgent desire to change her situation, knowing that anyone dissatisfied with their present would try to alter it. A person striving to change their life can be swayed with enough blows and temptation—even their moral compass.

But this time, Yan Donglou misjudged her. He thought that once Tang Xin became Xu Wei’s lover, the comfortable life would erode her ambition, making her forget her ideals and become an entertaining ornament—a precious gift for Xu Wei.

Tang Xin, however, did not fulfill his expectations. In some respects, she did; her presence enchanted Xu Wei, perfectly playing the role Yan Donglou intended. But Yan Donglou never anticipated that Tang Xin would earn Xu Wei’s trust to the point that he revealed his black-money empire to her. Her ambition remained; she refused to be a mere vase and chose to participate in the empire.

Yan Donglou had offered enough temptation to make her abandon morality, but he failed to realize that what Tang Xin disregarded was not just morality, but even the law. His plan to recruit her as a subordinate also failed.

Tang Xin’s ambition was not limited to serving under Yan Donglou. Her outstanding ability enabled her to rival him in the empire. She had thought her skills would quickly elevate her in Tanghua, but reality was harsh. In Mingzhou, she had stood out, but in Tanghua she blended into the crowd, and her field was not in demand, leaving her uncompetitive. Her doctorate was not a stepping stone to success—only a bragging right for her boss. After Yan Donglou’s appearance and her boss’s abandonment, Tang Xin saw the truth and decided to leave Tanghua.

But Tang Xin was destined for greatness. She required no constraints—neither morality nor law mattered. She sought only victory in life.

Tang Xin convinced Xu Wei to make her a member of his black-money empire, then helped expand the business, developing upstream and downstream operations. Online fraud, usury, pornography, gambling—all became her domain. She used her insight into human nature to find suitable workers, most of whom did not even know her gender.

Thanks to Tang Xin’s impressive performance, many in Yan Donglou’s empire began to side with her, and Yan Donglou, initially fond of her, gradually distanced himself. Though not enemies, he grew weary of her, even regretting his earlier decision as she gained Xu Wei’s trust.

Yan Donglou never believed the saying that a woman’s heart was unfathomable; he thought no one could conceal themselves from him. Yet Tang Xin shattered that confidence, deceiving him perfectly and becoming the only person in the organization who might surpass him.

Whether Xu Wei intended this or not, it left Yan Donglou dissatisfied. He was capable of solving Tang Xin, but chose not to, unwilling to offend Xu Wei or damage the empire he had built. Tang Xin, for her part, had the sense not to touch Yan Donglou’s turf, instead using his opportunities to develop her own business, and so the two coexisted peacefully.

Thus, Xu Wei had the strongest trio. Yan Donglou, Zhao Wenhua, and Tang Xin—their collaboration made the empire’s tower ever higher, not only amassing great wealth for Xu Wei, but also providing powerful momentum for his further ascent.